Category Archives: Portraits
Leary Family
Any reason to see my friends, Brian and Reshella, is a good reason. But this time, the reason was a tiny human: chubby cheeks, chilly toes, bright eyes. Gah! They introduced me to their son Hudson as we hung out in his nursery (…really trying to hold back my “hanging at the crib” joke here). Evening light poured in through the windows and my children made googly eyes at Hudson from behind my lens. After our session we all went to Vito’s and ate our weight in pizza. On the way home I fantasized about a system where I would only do photo sessions in exchange for pizza. Or sometimes sushi…or Taste of Thai. Or pretty much just food in general. Make an offer.
Burner Family
Location: Broadway, Virginia | Makeup: H. Sions
Gomes-Sponaugle, Engagement
She handed me a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies. A small gift largely representative of Kayleigh’s giant heart and sweet nature. About a year ago, I took a snapshot of Kayleigh and Brandon as they celebrated their friends wedding. This year, they are in the midst of planning their own wedding and I am thrilled to be the one that will document their special day. For the engagement session, we visited their wedding venue, The Columns at Six Penny Farms. With wonderful views in all directions, on this particular November evening, we enjoyed lovely golden sunlight pouring over rolling mountains.
Sydney
From start to finish, Sydney, a senior at East Rock, set up her own senior session. She emailed me, we worked out location and scheduling, and she arrived at the Ice House solo…with a smile. My kind of gal – organized, independent, confident. Sydney is a beautiful young lady with thick copper locks worthy of envy. The time we spent together for her session melted away as we walked around Downtown Harrisonburg, chatting, laughing, whipping hair around and, of course, photographing. 
Sydney & Alison
I love watching life from behind my camera: bellies growing plump with life, moms and dads getting outnumbered by children, little tiny humans growing into their own personalities. Year after year, it always amazes me. That’s why I love documenting people over and over again. I last met with these sweet sisters two years ago. I remember their session well because it was sandwiched between four other sessions that day and theirs was by far the most energetic. And by energetic I mean my face hurt from smiling, I had grass stains on my knees and I really needed a snack. This year’s session was no different. They brought the jokes and giggles and high fives and hugs…all the good-for-the-soul kind of things. It was wonderful to see Sydney & Alison again and witness their individuality coming to life.
Ebersold Family
I met with Miranda, Chance and their son Graham at their home in Downtown, Harrisonburg for an at-home family session. The morning was crisp and cool and when I arrived, morning light poured through the stairwell window. It was a pleasure to photograph this beautiful, growing family just months before Graham becomes a big brother. Below are some of my favorites from our session.
Hot Yoga Harrisonburg
I recently had the privilege of doing photography for the kind folks at Hot Yoga Harrisonburg. They came to my home, warmed up in my backyard and worked through postures in front of my camera. The human body is marvelous and these dedicated yogis and yoginis provide a beautiful display of what the body can do. Here are a handful of my favorite shots from that day.
Noah, Senior
Bishop Wedding
On the day of their wedding, Kimberly and Greg meandered the same farm land without catching a glimpse of each other pre-ceremony. They were equally giddy and pleasant, eager to see each other and say their vows under blue skies. The wedding took place on a family friend’s farm in Linville, Virginia. Kimberly and Greg created a very thoughtful event that was a comforting representation of the two of them. Their day was complete with hand-touched goodies like dried flower bouquets, bow ties made by their friend Morgan, a beautiful painted watercolor tree/guestbook by their friend Marcia, a precious mini wooden bride and groom set painted by the groom and centerpieces made with tree bark collected by the bride and groom on their many hikes together. Even our post-ceremony couples photos included a hillside hike that made them both beam with joy. (Yes, the bride was happy about hiking up her wedding dress and tromping through dirt. That’s because she is awesome.) But it wasn’t just the decor that had personal meaning, they had a ceremony duet by Maggie and Jordan, who both attend their church, a ceremony led by the bride’s step father, a solo by the groom’s father, hand-churned apple cider that turned into team effort, dinner by local favorite A Bowl of Good, a cake baked by the bride’s uncle and iced on the spot and live music by local band Many Nights Ahead to keep the reception lively.
From start to finish, guests smiled and hugged and celebrated their joy. To close the evening, everyone gathered outside while the couple attempted to light a paper lantern as the wind gusts picked up. There on that hill in Linville, we all stood together under millions of stars as the groom’s father began singing “This Little Light of Mine”…and all the guests joined in. It felt very symbolic to hear this beautiful sound coming from their loved ones, surrounding them, in the complete darkness.
And of course….a few of my favorite sillies!
Brandy Somers Photography 